AFE Awards Ecke Scholarship
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has awarded the 2013 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship to Garrett Owen, who is currently pursuing his master’s in horticulture science at North Carolina State University. The scholarship is merit-based and honors the late floriculture pioneer. Ecke made contributions to the advancement of the global floriculture industry and recognized that creative scientists and educators are necessary for the industry’s future, which is why this scholarship is awarded to students who will become the next generation of exceptional researchers or educators. “This scholarship is definitely going to help financially, but it also continues to fuel my passion to further my education, so I can make an impact from the classroom to the greenhouse,” Owen said. “I once heard ‘success breeds motivation,’ and receiving this scholarship helps keep me motivated to make a difference and make a positive impact.” Owen, who aspires to become a floriculture extension specialist and professor, will continue his education as a doctoral candidate in floriculture research at Purdue University under Roberto G. Lopez, Ph.D. This scholarship, established in 2010, is funded by contributions to AFE from the floral industry, the Ecke family and other sources. Owen will receive $5,000 for two consecutive years, provided he continues meeting scholarship requirements. For more information on the AFE and this scholarship, visit www.endowment.org.
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